Quote:
Originally Posted by tallyho8  Amtrak seems to be proof that an entity can spend as much money as they can get the government to give them. Last week Amtrak announced that last year was it's second best year in history and yet they have received over $1,400,000,000 in subsidies so far this year and they keep increasing. Their expenses are unbelievable as they pay workers in the snack bar $24 an hour and the government demands that if they lay anyone off, they have to pay them severance pay for up to 6 years.
I would hate to see our passenger train system die, but just throwing more money at it each year won't improve it. Only 3 of it's 44 lines have ever turned a profit. |
Good Morning Tallyho8,
I am not 100% certain on this, but I don't think there is a rail system anywhere in the world that doesn't get subsidized by government. Highways, ports and airports are also heavily subsidized by tax dollars. To pick out Amtrak because it is subsidized isn't making the correct comparison IMHO. I am sure there are excesses in Amtrak and a lack of good service - just as there are in highway projects, harbor pilots, etc. I'm still rooting for rail done right
Dave.